Breast Implant Removal & Replacement Perth
Understanding Implant Rupture and Capsular Contracture
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Although many women have breast implants for years without experiencing complications, changes can occur over time that may require medical assessment or surgical intervention.
Two of the more recognised complications associated with breast implants are implant rupture and capsular contracture. These conditions may develop gradually and, in some cases, may not initially cause noticeable symptoms.
At Rodin Clinic, our Specialist Plastic Surgeons provide assessment and surgical management of breast implant complications, including removal and replacement where medically indicated.
Breast Implant Rupture – What You Need to Know
Breast implant rupture occurs when the outer shell of an implant develops a tear or break.
Over time, implants may experience wear or changes in their structural integrity. Rupture can also occur following trauma to the chest.
With silicone breast implants, a rupture is not always immediately apparent. In some cases, the silicone remains contained within the scar tissue (the capsule) surrounding the implant, and patients may be unaware that a rupture has occurred.
This is commonly referred to as a silent or intracapsular rupture.
Signs of a Possible Implant Rupture
Symptoms may include:
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Increased firmness or hardness
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Swelling or changes in symmetry
- Changes in the position of the implant
- Lumps or changes in the surrounding breast tissue or armpit
- Some patients experience no symptoms at all.
Where implant rupture is suspected, diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to assess the condition of the implant.
Does a Ruptured Breast Implant Need to Be Removed?
When an implant rupture is confirmed, surgical removal is generally recommended for silicone implants, although the timing and treatment approach depend on the individual circumstances.
Surgery may involve removing the damaged implant, addressing any silicone material outside the implant shell and assessing the surrounding scar tissue.
Patients may choose to have their implants replaced or removed without replacement, depending on their clinical circumstances and preferences.
Capsular Contracture – When Scar Tissue Becomes a Problem
Following breast implant surgery, the body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue around the implant. This is known as a capsule and is a normal part of the healing process.
Capsular contracture occurs when this scar tissue becomes unusually thick or tight, placing pressure on the implant.
As the capsule tightens, the breast may become increasingly firm, uncomfortable or visibly distorted.
Capsular contracture can develop months or even years after the original breast surgery.
Common Signs of Capsular Contracture
Patients may notice:
- Increasing firmness or hardness of the breast
- A feeling of tightness or pressure
- Changes in breast shape or position
- One breast appearing higher or different from the other
- Tenderness or discomfort
- Pain in more advanced cases
The severity of capsular contracture varies. Mild cases may not require surgery, while more significant contracture can cause discomfort and changes in breast appearance.
How Is Capsular Contracture Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced.
Where surgery is appropriate, treatment may involve removing the existing implant, releasing or removing some or all of the surrounding scar tissue, and replacing the implant if clinically suitable.
Some patients may elect to have their implants removed without replacement.
It is important to understand that capsular contracture can recur, even following revision surgery.
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement Surgery
Breast implant revision surgery involves the removal of existing implants, with or without the insertion of new implants.
Revision surgery may be more complex than the original breast augmentation due to existing scar tissue, changes in breast tissue and the condition of the implants.
The surgical approach depends on several factors, including:
- The age and type of the existing implants
- Whether an implant has ruptured
- The presence and severity of capsular contracture
- The condition of the surrounding breast tissue
- Previous breast surgery
- The patient’s symptoms, medical history and preferences
Not all patients require implant replacement. Removal without replacement may be an appropriate option, depending on the clinical findings and the patient’s wishes.
What Are the Risks?
As with all surgical procedures, breast implant removal and replacement carry risks.
These include bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, changes in breast sensation, scarring, asymmetry and anaesthetic complications.
Where replacement implants are inserted, future complications such as rupture or capsular contracture remain possible.
Further surgery may be required, and surgical treatment cannot guarantee complete resolution of symptoms.
Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will discuss the risks, expected recovery and available alternatives during consultation.
What Are the Risks?
There is a common misconception that all breast implants must be replaced after 10 years.
Breast implants do not have a fixed expiry date, and replacement is not automatically necessary after a particular period.
However, implants are not designed to last indefinitely, and the likelihood of complications may increase over time.
Regular clinical assessment and appropriate imaging are important, particularly for silicone implants, where rupture may occur without noticeable symptoms.
Is Breast Implant Removal Covered by Medicare?
In certain circumstances, breast implant removal may qualify for Medicare benefits when there is a recognised medical indication, such as implant rupture or significant capsular contracture.
Eligibility depends on the patient’s clinical findings and the requirements of the relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule item.
Private health insurance benefits may also apply, depending on the patient’s level of cover and policy conditions.
Not all implant removal or replacement procedures are covered, and out-of-pocket expenses may apply.
When Should You Seek Medical Assessment?
If you have existing breast implants and notice changes in breast shape, increasing firmness, discomfort, swelling or other unexplained symptoms, a medical assessment is recommended.
New breast swelling, a lump or persistent fluid accumulation should also be investigated to exclude other implant-related complications, including rare implant-associated malignancies.
Early assessment can help establish the cause of symptoms and determine whether monitoring, further investigation or treatment is appropriate.
Breast Implant Assessment at Rodin Clinic
At Rodin Clinic, our Specialist Plastic Surgeons assess patients experiencing complications associated with existing breast implants.
During consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, previous breast surgery, current symptoms and any relevant imaging.
Where appropriate, surgical and non-surgical management options will be discussed, allowing you to make an informed decision about your care.
For further information or to arrange a consultation, please contact Rodin Clinic on (08) 9389 9522.
This information is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. All surgical procedures carry risks, and treatment recommendations are based on individual clinical assessment.
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